Kursk Oblast Research Articles

Givetian megaspore assemblages of the Mikhailovksy mine (Kursk oblast)

Background. Disperse megaspores from the Givetian deposits of the Mikhailovsky mine, Kursk Oblast, were studied for the first time. Following chemical maceration of the samples, their selection and identification, 12 species belonging to 8 genera of disperse megaspores were identified. The conducted analysis of the layer-by-layer distribution of disperse megaspores in the studied outcrop, two megaspore assemblages were established, describing the lower (M1) and upper (M2) parts of the section. Both assemblages are dominated by small-sized azonate megaspores of the Hystricosporites McGregor genus, although belonging to different species. The upper assemblage (M2) is more diverse in terms of taxonomic composition. Along with the Givetian deposits of the Mikhailovsky mine, the identified disperse megaspores were previously found in coeval deposits of Canada and Libya.Aim. To study of disperse megaspores from the Givetian deposits of the Mikhailovsky mine (Kursk Oblast) and to establish megaspore assemblages for this section.Materials and methods. Samples of the clay deposits of the Givetian stage of the Middle Devonian from the Mikhailovsky mine (Kursk Oblast, Zheleznogorsk) were collected by employees of the Paleontological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (PIN RAS) in the summer of 2017. The samples were macerated at the Department of Paleontology using concentrated (55%) hydrogen peroxide. The samples heavily contaminated with megaspores were additionally treated with hydrofluoric acid and further purified in hot drops of denaturated alcohol. Selection, counting, and determination of macerated samples of disperse megaspores were carried out using an Olympus CZ65 stereomicroscope at a 20x magnification or greater. Microphotographs were taken using a TESCAN Vega-3 scanning electron microscope (PIN RAS).Results. A total of 12 species belonging to 8 genera were identified. These included Hystricosporites McGregor, Verrucisporites Chi et Hills, Nikitinsporites Chaloner, Biharisporites Potonié, emend. Glasspool, Ancyrospora Richardson, Contagisporites Owens, Grandispora Hoffmeister, Staplin et Malloy, emend. McGregor, and Lagenicula (Bennie et Kidston) Dybova-Jachowicz et al. On the basis of disperse megaspore distribution along the section, two megaspore assemblages were established: M1 (lower, layers 7–12) and M2 (upper, layers 18–21).Conclusion. The disperse megaspores established in the Givetian deposits of the Mikhailovsky mine were early described in the Arctic Canada. The majority of the studied megaspores were most likely produced by lycopsids. This conclusion is based on their comparison with identical in-situ megaspores, as well as on the ultrathin structure of the sporoderm, previously established for some species. Consequently, the Givetian forests of the studied region were populated with numerous lycopsids, including tree-like ones, among heterosporous plants, with an insignificant role of archaeopteridalean tree-like species.

Variations in soil erodibility (K-factor) for the Chernozems depending on the method of texture determination

Soil erodibility (K-factor) is an important parameter in erosion modeling, is one of five factors of the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), and generally represents the soil's response to rainfall and run-off erosivity. The erodibility could be determined based on direct measurements of soil properties and mathematical calculations. In this study, the K-factor was calculated based on a formula from RUSLE, proposed by Renard et al. (1997). All input parameters: soil organic carbon (SOC), soil structure, and permeability classes were measured by one method, but particle size distribution – in two ways by sedimentation and laser diffraction methods to assess the impact the K-factor variability and the values of soil erosion rates. The 107 soil samples of Chernozems from Kursk Oblast (Russia) were studied. The texture for the most of samples was classified as silty loam in both analyses. However, the laser diffraction underestimates the clay content by an average of 13.2% compared to the pipette method. The average K-factor estimated based on laser diffraction data was 0.050, and 0.034 t ha h ha−1 MJ−1 mm−1 – sedimentation method. Thus, depending on the method of soil texture analysis, the RUSLE calculated soil loss could underestimated/overstated by 32% (or 4 t ha-1 yr-1 on average in the study site). Therefore, we propose a regression equation-based conversion method of laser diffraction data to sedimentation method data for Chernozems.The Laska-TM laser analyzer measured on ∼ 13% less clay fraction (more on ∼ 8% silt and ∼ 5% fine sand) compared with sedimentation method data.For erosional researchers/modelers it is suggested to state the method of soil texture analysis (based on sedimentation law or laser diffraction) was used for RUSLE K-factor calculations.To convert K-factor values (for Chernozems) calculated and based on data of the sedimentation method to laser sedimentation – it suggested utilize the coefficient 1.47 (0.68 – vice versa).

‘That Was How We Lived’: Remembering Childhood and Adolescence in Kursk Oblast during the Great Patriotic War, 1941–1943

Abstract This article examines how noncombatants who lived in the Central Black Earth Region of the Soviet Union during the Soviet-German War (1941–45) remembered their experience of combat and Axis occupation seventy years after the last shots were fired. Based on interviews with over a dozen individuals who were children and adolescents during the war, this study finds that despite an overwhelming and annually celebrated official narrative of the war, the interviewees discuss the war from only their own horizon of observation. With a focus on themes common to all the interviewees (family, childhood, and labor), this essay stresses the fact that while modern warfare is a national (or international) phenomenon, it is always experienced locally by combatants and noncombatants alike. Such an examination highlights the complexity of the experience of warfare and how this complexity is demonstrated in how personal memory of the event diverges from official memory.

Ecological Plasticity, Yield, and Grain Quality of Different Soybean Varieties under Conditions of Kursk Oblast

Ecological Plasticity, Yield, and Grain Quality of Different Soybean Varieties under Conditions of Kursk Oblast

Complex water-soluble microelements fertilizer effectiveness on grain yields

Microelement fertilizers (boron, molybdenum, copper, zinc, etc.) play an important role in modern crop production technologies to increase yields and product quality, along with macro fertilizers (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium). Microelements are needed by plants in very small quantities - their content is one thousandth of a percent of the plant mass. However, each of them has a strictly defined function in metabolism and plant nutrition and cannot be replaced by any other element. Microelements are part of a large number of enzymes. Due to redox processes, enzymes regulate plant respiration, under their influence the chlorophyll content increases, photosynthesis improves, assimilative activity of plants increases. Microelements improve plant metabolism, eliminate functional disorders, activate physiological and biochemical processes. Under the action of microelements, the resistance of plants to fungal and bacterial diseases, to sudden changes in temperature and soil moisture, to winter conditions increases. The supply of microelements to plants is determined by the level of their presence in the soil. The purpose of the research - to determine the effectiveness of different types of application (seed treatment, crop treatment) of the complex water-soluble fertilizer with microelements Novofert on winter wheat crops, in the conditions of grey forest soils of the agricultural complex "Rus", Rylsky district, Kursk oblast.

КУЛІНАРНІ ВЗАЄМОВПЛИВИ НА УКРАЇНСЬКО-РОСІЙСЬКОМУ ПОГРАНИЧЧІ (КІНЕЦЬ XVIII – ПОЧАТОК XX ст.)

The article is devoted to the identification and analysis of ethnocultural contacts of Ukrainians and Russians at the junction of their ethnic borders in the period from the end of the 18th to the beginning of the 20th century, using the example of mutual influences of national cuisine. The specificity of the historiography dedicated to this topic is clarified, and the gradual nature of the accumulation of data on the culinary traditions of the population of the Ukrainian-Russian border area is traced. The author, taking into account the relevant historical conditions and processes, in particular the policy of purposeful colonization of the Wild Fields implemented by the Russian Empire in the last quarter of the 18th century and the gradual development of territories that will eventually form the historical borderland, investigates the spread of the traditions of the national cuisine of both peoples and their interpenetration. The latter is clarified on the example of specific manifestations in the entire territory of the borderland (which includes modern Chernihiv Oblast, Kharkiv Oblast, Luhansk Oblast, as well as partially Kursk Oblast, Belgorod Oblast and Voronezh Oblast). On the basis of the conducted work, it was concluded that the perception of elements of food culture by Ukrainians and Russians consists of the inclusion of not only full-fledged dishes and recipes, but also their components and even drinks. Within the framework of the article, the ratio of mutual influences in the national cuisines of the two main ethnic groups of the Ukrainian-Russian border was also analyzed in order to determine the dominant ones. According to the results, it was found that Ukrainian culinary traditions mostly retain their original structure and content out of the two national food complexes. In turn, they are subject to only minor intrusions from the side of Russian cuisine. It was established that the fundamental difference between the food culture of Ukrainians and Russian culinary traditions contributed to their stability, since the latter had much simpler elements in their composition. In general, it was established that mutual influences between Ukrainian and Russian national cuisines, having vivid manifestations throughout the territory of the contact zone of the two cultures, thereby form their opposition and demonstrate the identity of both Ukrainians and Russians.

Reducing the Main Tillage for Spring Barley under the Conditions of Kursk Oblast

Reducing the Main Tillage for Spring Barley under the Conditions of Kursk Oblast

Soil Formation on Sugar Industry Waste in the Central Chernozemic Zone

Soils formed in treatment facilities of sugar beet factories in the forest-steppe zone of Kursk oblast were studied. Technogenic factors of soil formation associated with the industrial sugar beet activity and post-technogenic processes during the abandonment of treatment facilities are considered. The alternation of settling ponds and the earth walls separating them are the main factors determining “cellular” pattern of the soil cover. The mode of inflow and discharge and the composition of wastewater, as well as the duration of the abandonment of settling ponds determine the specifics of soils forming in the bottoms of the ponds. Mucky–humus quasi-gley stratified soils (Calcaric Gleysol) are formed in operating settling ponds under the periodic impact of sewage mixed with other wastes. When calcareous sewage sludge (press mud) is previously removed from abandoned ponds, dark-humus quasi-gley soils (Gleyic Cambisol) are formed in 30 years in the presence of perched water table, and quasi-gley zooturbated Chernozems are developed in 40 years under the conditions of periodic moistening. Soil formation in settling ponds with preserved sewage sludge and abandoned 20 years ago is noticeably intensive only in the upper 10–15 cm, and properties of the stratified sediment are preserved below. Dark-humus technogenic artistratified soils (Spolic Technosols) are identified there. Typical dark-humus soils (Eutric Cambisols (Organotransportic) are formed on earth walls in about 50–60 years, and incompletely developed strongly alkaline technogenic pelozems (Spolic Technosols (Transportic)) are formed on earth walls covered with calcareous sewage sludge; these soils consist of the virtually unchanged mixed material of technogenic sediments. All soils are alkaline and strongly alkaline and rich in organic matter, carbonates, phosphates, nutrients and some heavy metals from wastewater. According to the combination of properties, the soils of the sugar industry treatment facilities have no direct natural analogues in the central chernozemic region and are a vivid example of soils forming under extreme conditions of resource excess.

Annual Carbon Budget of Biogenic Greenhouse Gases under Mixed Land Use: Lgov District as a Model Object of the Central Chernozem Zone, Russia

A comprehensive study of the net carbon balance of Lgov administrative district (Kursk oblast) in the Chernozem zone of the European part of Russia is carried out. The data sources included field estimates of carbon dioxide and methane exchange between soil and atmosphere, above- and below-ground phytomass stocks, simulation models parameterized on these data, official statistical and meteorological information, and published scientific data. Watered filtration fields of waste disposal sites of sugar industry are responsible for 26% of CH4 emissions from the territory of the district, although they occupy only 0.04% of its area. The maximum of CO2 emission is found at volumetric soil moisture of 30%, whereas, with exceeding this value, methane emission begins to rise linearly, reaching a maximum on the open surface of water reservoirs, and among them – on watered filtration fields. Another significant local source of methane is compost storages (22%). However, water reservoirs and ponds are the largest source of CH4 (43%). Amongst the net sources of CO2 the combustion of fossil fuels by transport and agriculture machinery predominates (22.3%). In contrast to methane, which emission is mainly determined by powerful point sources, the input of net fluxes of CO2 positively correlates with their area. Currently observed low rate net CO2 flux in the district area (–6.4 g C m–2 per year), is decisively overlapped by local methane sources (+95 g C (CO2-eq.) m–2 per year). The influence of the types of land use and methods of calculation on the C-balance of the territory in study, and a way of its transformation into a carbon-neutral state are discussed.

The population health and attitude to it in conditions of instability

The article considers issues of attitude of modern man to one's own health, both physical and mental in conditions of instability. The results of sociological studies implemented in 2021-2022 among the population of the Kursk Oblast are presented. The results reflect personal characteristics and attitudes to health, in particular in conditions of complex epidemiological situation and changes in population behavior in area of health saving in conditions of complicated geopolitical situation.

Field Verification of Erosion Models Based on the Studies of a Small Catchment in the Vorobzha River Basin (Kursk oblast, Russia)

Field Verification of Erosion Models Based on the Studies of a Small Catchment in the Vorobzha River Basin (Kursk oblast, Russia)

Association of Polymorphic Gene Variants of Xenobiotic Biotransformation Enzymes with Lung Tissue Destruction in Tuberculosis Patients

The objective: to investigate the association of polymorphic gene variants of xenobiotic biotransformation enzymes (NAT2, CYP2E1, ABCB1, GSTM1, GSTT1) and cytokines (IL1B, IL-4, IL-10, TNF) with lung tissue destruction in pulmonary tuberculosis patients.Subjects and Methods. An ethnically homogeneous population sample of unrelated individuals of Slavic nationalities (mainly Russians) living in Kursk Oblast suffering from new pulmonary tuberculosis was examined.Results. New pulmonary tuberculosis with no destructive changes in the lungs was associated with the EE genotype of the GSTM1 gene (p < 0.0001) in 89.5%, while the DD genotype of the GSTM1 gene (p < 0.0001) was associated with the presence of destructive changes in the lungs in 56.1% of cases; the dominant GG genotype of the TNF-α gene was associated with destructive changes in the lungs in 93.3% (p = 0.027), and the recessive GA genotype of the TNF-α gene was associated with no destructive changes in the lungs in 71.9% (p = 0.027).

The Influence of Different Land Uses on the Elemental Composition of Labile Humus Substances in Typical Chernozem Typical of Kursk Oblast

The Influence of Different Land Uses on the Elemental Composition of Labile Humus Substances in Typical Chernozem Typical of Kursk Oblast

Association of polymorphic gene variants of xenobiotic biotransformation enzymes with susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis

The objective: to investigate the relationship of polymorphic variants of genes of xenobiotic biotransformation metabolism enzymes (NAT2 (590G>A (rs1799930)), CYP2E1 (9896C>G (rs2070676)), ABCB1 (3435T>C (rs1045642)), GSTM1 (E/D), GSTT1 (E/D) with the risk of pulmonary tuberculosis.Subjects and Methods. Within the framework of this study, a population sample of unrelated 1081 individuals of Slavic nationalities (mainly Russians) living in the territory of Kursk Oblast was used.Results. The del/del (D/D) GSTM1 genotype was associated with an increased risk of developing tuberculosis, while carrying the del/del (D/D) GSTT1 genotype was associated with a lower risk of developing the disease. Polymorphism 3435T>C ABCB1 (TC genotype) was associated with increased susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis in the codominization model, while TT+TC genotypes had the same association in the dominance model.

The Impact of Different Cenoses on the Thermal Characteristics of Labile Humic Substances of Typical Chernozem in Kursk Oblast

The Impact of Different Cenoses on the Thermal Characteristics of Labile Humic Substances of Typical Chernozem in Kursk Oblast

The effect of the new coronavirus infection on the structure of children traumatism

The traumatism, including children traumatism, is one of priority problem of health care in the Russian Federation. The indices of children traumatism and disability because of injuries are the most important indices of children health. They characterize quality of child care in family, depend on common norms of public behavior, reflect cases of aggression and violence in relationship of adults and children and in children communities. The available comparative data permitted to analyze impact of the pandemic on structure and level of children traumatism as exemplified by the Kursk Oblast.

The rheological properties of undisturbed samples of Typical Chernozem and Vertic Solonetz

The rheological properties of undisturbed monoliths of the Typical Chernozem of Kursk Oblast (Russia) and the Vertic Solonetz of Voronezh Oblast (Russia) are presented in this article. The rheological properties were determined by the amplitude sweep test on the rheometer MCR–302 (Anton Paar, Austria). It has been shown that the linear viscoelastic range (LVE-range) of the Vertic Solonetz significantly exceeds the LVE-range of the Typical Chernozem, which is probably related to the more heavy texture of the Vertic Solonetz. The storage modulus G` in the LVE-range of the Vertic Solonetz is much lower than Typical Chernozem. Perhaps, this fact is due to the higher silt fraction content (> 40–55%) and predominance of smectite minerals in them. Also, the weakening of inter-particle bonds in the Vertic Solonetz is related to the high alkalinity (pHH2O 8.5–9.3) and high content of exchangeable sodium (> 30%). Yield point of the Vertic Solonetz is considerably smaller than Typical Chernozem. The stability of the Vertic Solonetz to mechanical stresses is much less than the Typical Chernozem. The combination of heavy texture, smectite mineralogy, high alkalinity, exchangeable sodium percentage in soil leads to the degradation of the soil structure and reduces its resistance to mechanical loads.

Changes in Soil Properties on Fallows in Kursk Oblast and Trends of Postagrogenic Soil Development in Forest-Steppe and Steppe Zones

Changes in Soil Properties on Fallows in Kursk Oblast and Trends of Postagrogenic Soil Development in Forest-Steppe and Steppe Zones

Mobilization of Soil Organic Matter by Ultrafresh Water: Modeling and Assessment of the Impact on the Mobility of Heavy Metals

The experiments on mobilization of soil organic matter during soil washing with ultrafresh water against the background of salinity pulsing were designed and performed. Unpolluted soil and the soil artificially polluted with copper(II) were used in experiments, namely, clay loamy typical chernozem (Haplic Chernozem) of the Alekhin Central Chernozemic Nature Reserve (Kursk oblast, Russia; 51°34.207 N, 36°05.444 E) and sandy loamy soddy-podzolic soil (Albic Glossic Retisol (Loamic, Cutanic, Ochric)) from the Domodedovo district of Moscow oblast, Russia (55°17.683 N, 37°50.045 E). Soil samples were taken from the upper humus-accumulative (A1) horizon (5–15 cm). A drastic change in the composition of washing solution from fresh water to 0.1 M NaCl solution and back led to destruction of soil aggregates under the impact of osmotic pressure. Soddy-podzolic soil proved to be more resistant to destruction as compared with typical chernozem. Copper(II) was leached off from artificially contaminated samples of soddy-podzolic soil with the flow of dissolved organic matter, whereas copper leaching from typical chernozem was associated with the destruction of aggregates and release of intraaggregate organic matter. It is argued that copper (II) migration models should take into account the amount of dissolved organic matter for soddy-podzolic soil and the content of aromatic fragments in the organic matter for typical chernozem. A conceptual model of the Cu(II) leaching from contaminated soddy-podzolic soil and typical chernozem in the course of soil washing with fresh water against the background of salinity pulsing and the destruction of soil structure is constructed.

Effectiveness of vaccines produced by the Federal State-Financed Institution “ARRIAH” against topical genotype VII Newcastle disease viruses

In 2019, the situation regarding Newcastle disease in the Russian Federation worsened radically due to the spread of NDV subgenotype VII-L throughout the country from the Primorsky Krai to the Kursk Oblast. As a result, 17 infected settlements with backyard farms where unvaccinated poultry was kept were registered. In this study, immunogenicity of the vaccines produced by the FGBI “ARRIAH”, as well as the effectiveness of various vaccination schedules to prevent genotype VII NDVs, relevant for the Russian Federation, was studied. It is known that the currently circulating ND agent is significantly more virulent compared to the viruses isolated in previous years, and it is able to bypass the immunity provided by live vaccines. Test results demonstrated that the vaccines against genotype VII NDVs produced by the FGBI “ARRIAH” are highly immunogenic, which allows to effectively prevent the disease when using them as part of a standard vaccination schedule. A 2-dose vaccination schedule using live vaccine from the La Sota strain as well as the “complete” vaccination schedule using inactivated vaccines provides immunity in 100% of chicks. The use of live vaccines in a single- and double-dose vaccination schedules prevents mortality and clinical disease in poultry, but does not prevent virus replication, while the addition of an inactivated vaccine to the immunization schedule does prevent the replication of the virulent virus. Thus, the use of domestically produced live and inactivated vaccines, primarily the ones containing the La Sota strain, with the following control of the immunity level and booster vaccination, if required, is the main tool for the disease control.